28 May 2008
Wordless Wednesday
These are my favorite foods. I don't know if its the pregnancy talking or not because I've always loved these foods more than other foods, but I'm just really in the mood for them lately.
21 May 2008
Memo to Spraypainters Anon.
To: Whoever spray painted Stonewall's unit's vehicles with "Baby Killers" and "Bush sucks."
While I realize this is your (uneducated and juvenile) way of protesting the war and our troops, I ask you to seriously consider what you have done before you exercise your "freedoms" a second time.
Even though I am sure your colorful paint job is considered a work of art in some circles, it will, unfortunately, not be able to accompany Stonewall and his unit into combat. Therefore, all the vehicles will have to be repainted and any canvas will have to be replaced. This, of course, will cost taxpayers more money.
Instead of the money being used for a) weapons and safety/protective gear for our soldiers, b) measures that could accelerate the speed at which our troops come home, or c) (two choices that I'm sure are at the top of your list) a pro-life and/or Democratic group, the money will now be used to clean up your crime.
So, thank you for wasting my money and the rest of the American citizens' money as well as a perfectly good can of spray paint (and for releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, you certainly are on a roll). Also, thank you for wasting the time of my husband's soldiers who will be spending valuable training time cleaning up your mess.
While I realize this is your (uneducated and juvenile) way of protesting the war and our troops, I ask you to seriously consider what you have done before you exercise your "freedoms" a second time.
Even though I am sure your colorful paint job is considered a work of art in some circles, it will, unfortunately, not be able to accompany Stonewall and his unit into combat. Therefore, all the vehicles will have to be repainted and any canvas will have to be replaced. This, of course, will cost taxpayers more money.
Instead of the money being used for a) weapons and safety/protective gear for our soldiers, b) measures that could accelerate the speed at which our troops come home, or c) (two choices that I'm sure are at the top of your list) a pro-life and/or Democratic group, the money will now be used to clean up your crime.
So, thank you for wasting my money and the rest of the American citizens' money as well as a perfectly good can of spray paint (and for releasing harmful chemicals into the environment, you certainly are on a roll). Also, thank you for wasting the time of my husband's soldiers who will be spending valuable training time cleaning up your mess.
20 May 2008
Wordless Wednesday (On a Tuesday)
I was going to save this for tomorrow, but I'm just so flippin' excited I couldn't wait!
Already my child is a little ham and is making sure we get a perfect shot of her (or him). She (he) is 1 inch long and her (his) heartbeat is excellent. My official due date is December 18.
19 May 2008
Home Sweet Home
I never thought I would be so glad to be home from a vacation. We went on our cruise to Bermuda last week. Basically, we made the best of a horrible time. Being on Bermuda was really nice, but being on the cruise was no fun at all.
First, the cruise line SUCKED!! Never, never ever go on a Norwegian Cruise. My parents went on a Norwegian Cruise in March and they said the same thing, but we thought since it was a different ship things might be different. Nope. It was horrible. The service was terrible. The crew acted like we were bothering them just by being on the cruise. They were not friendly or accomadating and for the price you pay to go on a cruise, they should be kissing your butt. Everyday we had to call and request room service because they would just never come to our room. Half the time our trash was overflowing and we had to sit our dirty room service food tray in the hall because they wouldn't pick it up on a regular basis. Also, based on my cruise experiences, they are far more pricey than other cruise lines when it comes to drinks, spa services, and other onboard activities.
The kicker for me though was room service. They did offer it, but on a limited basis. On other cruise lines you could order anything from the menu that they were serving in the dining room that night and they would send it to your room (this is a meal that is included in your ticket price and doesn't cost extra). On Norwegian they wouldn't do that. I spent most of the time we were at sea sick in our room and I couldn't move about the ship without getting sick. On the last night, Stonewall went down to the dining room to order food for us in our room. They told him that they wouldn't send it up to us, we had to eat in the dining room. Stonewall told them that I was sick and couldn't come down. Finally, they said that they would prepare food for me, but they wouldn't deliver it to the room, Stonewall had to carry is up himself. Also, if he wanted to eat food from the dining room he had to eat it there since he was able to come down, so they wouldn't prepare food for him. I was so po'd. I'm still rather mad about it.
As mentioned, I spent every day at sea sick as a dog. Whether it was from morning sickness or sea sickness, I have no idea. I think it was both rolled in to one. We were in Bermuda for 3 days and I was feeling better on those days, but I wasn't up to par.
Bermuda itself was really pretty. We had a good time shopping and touring the islands. We rented a moped, which Stonewall loved. I'll admit it was fun driving around the island on it, but it was also a little scary. The roads are so narrow and some of the other mopeders are crazy drivers! It was also a bit chilly. It was in the low 70s when we were there, so not cold, but it also wasn't as hot as I thought it would be. I did manager to get sunburn on my nose though.
This is the Statue of Liberty as we are pulling out of port on our first day.
We spent our first day on Bermuda at the beack. It was really pretty, but also chilly. I spent most of the time using my towel as a blanket.
We stopped at a random beach on our way back to the ship from St. George's. While in St. George's we went to a museum about the Civil War. The American Civil War. Yeah.
First, the cruise line SUCKED!! Never, never ever go on a Norwegian Cruise. My parents went on a Norwegian Cruise in March and they said the same thing, but we thought since it was a different ship things might be different. Nope. It was horrible. The service was terrible. The crew acted like we were bothering them just by being on the cruise. They were not friendly or accomadating and for the price you pay to go on a cruise, they should be kissing your butt. Everyday we had to call and request room service because they would just never come to our room. Half the time our trash was overflowing and we had to sit our dirty room service food tray in the hall because they wouldn't pick it up on a regular basis. Also, based on my cruise experiences, they are far more pricey than other cruise lines when it comes to drinks, spa services, and other onboard activities.
The kicker for me though was room service. They did offer it, but on a limited basis. On other cruise lines you could order anything from the menu that they were serving in the dining room that night and they would send it to your room (this is a meal that is included in your ticket price and doesn't cost extra). On Norwegian they wouldn't do that. I spent most of the time we were at sea sick in our room and I couldn't move about the ship without getting sick. On the last night, Stonewall went down to the dining room to order food for us in our room. They told him that they wouldn't send it up to us, we had to eat in the dining room. Stonewall told them that I was sick and couldn't come down. Finally, they said that they would prepare food for me, but they wouldn't deliver it to the room, Stonewall had to carry is up himself. Also, if he wanted to eat food from the dining room he had to eat it there since he was able to come down, so they wouldn't prepare food for him. I was so po'd. I'm still rather mad about it.
As mentioned, I spent every day at sea sick as a dog. Whether it was from morning sickness or sea sickness, I have no idea. I think it was both rolled in to one. We were in Bermuda for 3 days and I was feeling better on those days, but I wasn't up to par.
Bermuda itself was really pretty. We had a good time shopping and touring the islands. We rented a moped, which Stonewall loved. I'll admit it was fun driving around the island on it, but it was also a little scary. The roads are so narrow and some of the other mopeders are crazy drivers! It was also a bit chilly. It was in the low 70s when we were there, so not cold, but it also wasn't as hot as I thought it would be. I did manager to get sunburn on my nose though.
This is the Statue of Liberty as we are pulling out of port on our first day.
We spent our first day on Bermuda at the beack. It was really pretty, but also chilly. I spent most of the time using my towel as a blanket.
There was a parade going on during dinner the first evening. We ate at an amazing Thai place. Surprisingly, Bermuda is very English, so their restaurants are pretty much what you find at home. There were a lot of pubs, steakhouses, Chinese take-outs. One place we stopped at had Philly cheese steaks. I was like, "You've got be kidding. "
We stopped at a random beach on our way back to the ship from St. George's. While in St. George's we went to a museum about the Civil War. The American Civil War. Yeah.
We went up in their lighthouse. It is the world's second steel lighthouse. Bermuda is surrounded by rocks and reefs and it is really shallow, so shipwrecks are pretty common. We had to climb 189 steps to get to the top and it was really windy up there, but really awesome.
We went to Fort Hamilton. (Stonewall was not a happy camper that we skipped all the forts in St. George's.) They've turned it into a garden. It was very peaceful and pretty. It definitely would be my lunch spot should I ever live in Bermuda. One of those houses belongs to Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
This is the Dockyard. I'm on the balcony in our room. Way back in the day this is where all the ships were brought for repairs and what not. They've turned it into a shopping area. Also, the Dockyard Glassworks and Bermuda Rum Cake headquarters is here. You can watch them blow the glass and make the cake.
This is a picture of the water as we were leaving Bermuda. I just thought it was really cool looking with all the sand getting churned up.
On a quick side note because I'm sure someone is wondering: Yes, it was our ship that the lady fell overboard.
08 May 2008
06 May 2008
NKOTB...Are Back in Business!
Oh yes, you read that right and I am so FRIGGIN' EXCITED!!!!
The New Kids are touring again and I will be sure to let you all know when I have my tickets! My sisters and I are super pumped. I was the only one old enough to go to a concert when they were really popular way back when, so my two little sisters are really excited this time around because they'll get to go as well.
I'm not even sure what my favorite NKOTB song is nowadays. I still love them all and yes, I still know the words. Back in the day, my favorite New Kids were Donnie and Joey. And how awesome are they're dance moves? And those clothes? And Joey's topless hat? Swoon!!
The New Kids are touring again and I will be sure to let you all know when I have my tickets! My sisters and I are super pumped. I was the only one old enough to go to a concert when they were really popular way back when, so my two little sisters are really excited this time around because they'll get to go as well.
I'm not even sure what my favorite NKOTB song is nowadays. I still love them all and yes, I still know the words. Back in the day, my favorite New Kids were Donnie and Joey. And how awesome are they're dance moves? And those clothes? And Joey's topless hat? Swoon!!
05 May 2008
In The News: Teen Mothers and Lindsay Lohan
There were two news articles on AOL that caught my attention this morning.
Teen Gives Birth, Carries Baby to Hospital
What really bothers me about this story is the doctor's reaction to a teen girl carrying her just born baby to the hospital after delivering it in her shower: "Perez praised the girl for taking quick action."
Okay, yes. I suppose the girl thought quickly enough to take her newborn to the hospital instead of dumping it in the trash or hiding it in the closet. But seriously?! We're dishing out praises now for the friggin' obvious?! Here's an idea...how about you see a doctor when you discover you're pregnant? How about taking some responsibility before you give birth in a shower? And I don't care how angry your mom would have been. That is no excuse. If you are old enough to have sex, not use birth control, and get pregnant, then you are old enough to face the consequences of your actions and that includes you mother's wrath.
Why is there nothing from the doctor about how this girl should have handled her pregnancy? I doubt the doctor would have given this girl "Mother of the Year" award, but his reaction also doesn't suggest he wants to send a message about responsibility and good pre-natal care to teen moms.
On another note, I'm feeling much better about the whole delivery process if all it take is a shower, a few pushes and out pops a baby. (I've never understood why girls who hide or "don't know about" their pregnancies seem to just pee out babies, while those who know about their pregnancies have horror stories of 24 hours in labor and emergency c-sections. But then again, I'm new to this whole thing.)
Lohan Mugshot in Liquor Industry Ad
Basically, the ad published by the American Beverage Institute says (and according to a statement they made), ignition interlocks should only be used on offenders with multiple DUIs, not on first-time offenders (which is the topic of several bills being passed by lawmakers). I guess I can kind of see their point. Why should someone who's had 1 DUI have the same punishment as someone with 5 DUIs?
However, there wouldn't be offenders with 5 DUIs if they were sufficiently punished after their first offense. And really, isn't that what we should be trying to accomplish? Less DUIs all around? Driving drunk isn't less wrong if you're Miss Nobody and drink too much at a wedding rather than being Lindsay Lohan chugging them down at a club.
It is constantly argued that celebrities should be held to the same standards as the "little people." Then in the same breath, we need to be held to the same standards as celebrities. If we want the courts to punish them severely for breaking the law, then we need to be held accountable for our actions as well. And if we want the likes of Lindsay Lohan to have to use ignition interlocks, then the businessman who has a little too much at happy hour should have to as well, whether its is 1st DUI or his 10th.
Teen Gives Birth, Carries Baby to Hospital
What really bothers me about this story is the doctor's reaction to a teen girl carrying her just born baby to the hospital after delivering it in her shower: "Perez praised the girl for taking quick action."
Okay, yes. I suppose the girl thought quickly enough to take her newborn to the hospital instead of dumping it in the trash or hiding it in the closet. But seriously?! We're dishing out praises now for the friggin' obvious?! Here's an idea...how about you see a doctor when you discover you're pregnant? How about taking some responsibility before you give birth in a shower? And I don't care how angry your mom would have been. That is no excuse. If you are old enough to have sex, not use birth control, and get pregnant, then you are old enough to face the consequences of your actions and that includes you mother's wrath.
Why is there nothing from the doctor about how this girl should have handled her pregnancy? I doubt the doctor would have given this girl "Mother of the Year" award, but his reaction also doesn't suggest he wants to send a message about responsibility and good pre-natal care to teen moms.
On another note, I'm feeling much better about the whole delivery process if all it take is a shower, a few pushes and out pops a baby. (I've never understood why girls who hide or "don't know about" their pregnancies seem to just pee out babies, while those who know about their pregnancies have horror stories of 24 hours in labor and emergency c-sections. But then again, I'm new to this whole thing.)
Lohan Mugshot in Liquor Industry Ad
Basically, the ad published by the American Beverage Institute says (and according to a statement they made), ignition interlocks should only be used on offenders with multiple DUIs, not on first-time offenders (which is the topic of several bills being passed by lawmakers). I guess I can kind of see their point. Why should someone who's had 1 DUI have the same punishment as someone with 5 DUIs?
However, there wouldn't be offenders with 5 DUIs if they were sufficiently punished after their first offense. And really, isn't that what we should be trying to accomplish? Less DUIs all around? Driving drunk isn't less wrong if you're Miss Nobody and drink too much at a wedding rather than being Lindsay Lohan chugging them down at a club.
It is constantly argued that celebrities should be held to the same standards as the "little people." Then in the same breath, we need to be held to the same standards as celebrities. If we want the courts to punish them severely for breaking the law, then we need to be held accountable for our actions as well. And if we want the likes of Lindsay Lohan to have to use ignition interlocks, then the businessman who has a little too much at happy hour should have to as well, whether its is 1st DUI or his 10th.
02 May 2008
Rockapella
We saw Rockapella tonight. They were awesome and the concert itself was so much fun! Rockapella is the best a capella group out there. If you've never heard of them, or heard them, they're pretty amazing to listen to.
My favorite song that they sing is Up On the Roof/Wonderful World.
Actually, you've probably heard Rockapella sing before. Come on...there's only one more thing you have to do. You know what it is.
My favorite song that they sing is Up On the Roof/Wonderful World.
Actually, you've probably heard Rockapella sing before. Come on...there's only one more thing you have to do. You know what it is.
All About Capricorn: Capricorn Charicteristics and Profie
The sure-footed Mountain Goat can climb to higher altitudes than any other mammal. And you sure-footed Capricorns are also well-suited for climbing. Capricorn sets high goals for yourself and then you overcome whatever obstacles may appear between you and the top of your personal mountain. As Capricorn climbs the ladder of success, your ambition pushes you forward. Status can be important to Capricorn and often, at the top of your game, you gain personal satisfaction by knowing that others respect you for what you have accomplished.
Capricorn can dance out on the edge of a cliff, but will never fall. Why? Stability plays an important role, but so does practice. As a typical Capricorn, you may appear reckless, but chances are that your actions will have been very well planned, and probably also rehearsed. Capricorn is always calculating what will happen if you do something. You Capricorns are energetically conservative, only expending enough to get you to where you want to be. No silly impulsive actions for you. This is your best insurance to get to the top of the mountain.
The Capricorn motto might be Milton Berle's "If opportunity doesn't knock, then build a door." But this doesn't mean that if there are no mountains to climb that you must build the mountain. For you, hardships can be your path to fulfillment, but for the sake of happiness, it would be good for you to learn to appreciate what you have, instead of always striving to reach the next plateau.
Element: Earth
Earth signs are naturally practical. In this lifetime we are bound to Earth. There is no escaping the reality around us. The Earth is about as real as it gets; it can be felt, weighed and it has substance. Accordingly, the earth signs base their life on what is real, not what is imagined. Sensation is valued over thoughts or feelings. Earth signs live with their feet on the ground. Others seek their advice because of their basic sensibility. For earth signs, seeing is believing.
The earth of Capricorn is that of foundation and structure. It's about having a stable base so we don't build our life on shifting sand. Even the great mountains earth, and if it weren't for their foundational integrity, we couldn't climb upon them.
Tenth House: Career
The Tenth House is the House of the Father. It is where we pursue the outer world, which is often related to our career. This isn't about our personality. It's about how the outer world sees us through the role we play in it. It is here, in the Tenth House, that we look to find out about status and recognition.
Key Planet: Saturn
Saturn, the ringed planet, is etymologically tied to the word "Satan." But, as demonstrated in the Tarot, the "Devil Card" is not a bad card. It's only difficult if we've made the deal with the devil that we believe the physical world is all there is. Saturn is the planet of boundaries and limitations. If we succumb to those limitations, we are doomed to live within the laws of cause and effect. But if we do the hard work of spiritual practice, we can be rewarded by the wisdom that exists beyond the material plane. As the key planet for Capricorn, Saturn does symbolize that we get what we deserve. Take shortcuts in life and we'll meet up with problems later on. But if we do things with integrity, then the rewards will be ours.
Capricorn Greatest Strength: Your ability to overcome obstacles
Capricorn Possible Weakness: Too much work and not enough play
Capricorn can dance out on the edge of a cliff, but will never fall. Why? Stability plays an important role, but so does practice. As a typical Capricorn, you may appear reckless, but chances are that your actions will have been very well planned, and probably also rehearsed. Capricorn is always calculating what will happen if you do something. You Capricorns are energetically conservative, only expending enough to get you to where you want to be. No silly impulsive actions for you. This is your best insurance to get to the top of the mountain.
The Capricorn motto might be Milton Berle's "If opportunity doesn't knock, then build a door." But this doesn't mean that if there are no mountains to climb that you must build the mountain. For you, hardships can be your path to fulfillment, but for the sake of happiness, it would be good for you to learn to appreciate what you have, instead of always striving to reach the next plateau.
Element: Earth
Earth signs are naturally practical. In this lifetime we are bound to Earth. There is no escaping the reality around us. The Earth is about as real as it gets; it can be felt, weighed and it has substance. Accordingly, the earth signs base their life on what is real, not what is imagined. Sensation is valued over thoughts or feelings. Earth signs live with their feet on the ground. Others seek their advice because of their basic sensibility. For earth signs, seeing is believing.
The earth of Capricorn is that of foundation and structure. It's about having a stable base so we don't build our life on shifting sand. Even the great mountains earth, and if it weren't for their foundational integrity, we couldn't climb upon them.
Tenth House: Career
The Tenth House is the House of the Father. It is where we pursue the outer world, which is often related to our career. This isn't about our personality. It's about how the outer world sees us through the role we play in it. It is here, in the Tenth House, that we look to find out about status and recognition.
Key Planet: Saturn
Saturn, the ringed planet, is etymologically tied to the word "Satan." But, as demonstrated in the Tarot, the "Devil Card" is not a bad card. It's only difficult if we've made the deal with the devil that we believe the physical world is all there is. Saturn is the planet of boundaries and limitations. If we succumb to those limitations, we are doomed to live within the laws of cause and effect. But if we do the hard work of spiritual practice, we can be rewarded by the wisdom that exists beyond the material plane. As the key planet for Capricorn, Saturn does symbolize that we get what we deserve. Take shortcuts in life and we'll meet up with problems later on. But if we do things with integrity, then the rewards will be ours.
Capricorn Greatest Strength: Your ability to overcome obstacles
Capricorn Possible Weakness: Too much work and not enough play
My Doctors(s)?
These are some questions/concerns I'm having about my current doctor and I'm hoping all the experiences moms/pregnant women can help me out.
1. Which is better: a doctor or a midwife?
I've heard a midwife can do everything a doctor can do except C-Sections and that they have at a minimum a Master's degree, plus the additional schooling they need to become a midwife. So experience/knowledge is not my concern here. What I'm most curious about is that I've also heard that midwives offer a more holistic approach than doctors. Is this true? I do want to get from point A (being pregnant) to Point B (having a baby) as quickly, efficiently, and as safely as possible. However, I want to know all my options without having to do all the research on my own. I've heard that midwives are more forthcoming with all the information, whereas doctors assume if you don't ask, you either already know or are not interested.
2. Is it better to have a group of doctors (when I say doctors I'm using that term loosely and mean doctors/midwives/nurse practitioners and any other people who will be viewing my Va-jay-jay at this point in time) or an office that uses a handful of doctors?
Right now, I'm going to a practice that has a group of doctors. In the office I will be visiting, there are 2 doctors and 1 midwife. However, within the entire practice there are 10 doctors and 2 midwives. I may or may not see all the doctors before delivery. However, come delivery time, my doctor will be whoever is on call even if I've never met him/her previously. I can see how this is beneficial. If I only had 1 or 2 doctors and both are on vacation, I'm stuck with a doctor I've never heard of, nor do I know what type of practice he/she is in. Also, with 10 doctors, there is a wealth of information if there are any problems throughout my pregnancy.
My concern though is while I realize labor and delivery can be unpredictable, there are still guidelines that I would like to adhere to as closely as possible. With 10 doctors, I feel as if I'm going to have to conduct an interview at each appointment. Then come delivery, if its a doctor I've never met, I have to make sure he/she is fully aware of my birth plan and my concerns. I realize this is the same concern I had when discussing the other side of the coin, but I feel that when using 10 doctors this is a problem that has a greater chance of occurring.
I'm going to my first appointment at the group practice and I'm going to discuss these concerns with them then. Maybe they'll be able to put my fears at ease. Or maybe they'll recommend a smaller practice.
In the meantime, any opinions?
1. Which is better: a doctor or a midwife?
I've heard a midwife can do everything a doctor can do except C-Sections and that they have at a minimum a Master's degree, plus the additional schooling they need to become a midwife. So experience/knowledge is not my concern here. What I'm most curious about is that I've also heard that midwives offer a more holistic approach than doctors. Is this true? I do want to get from point A (being pregnant) to Point B (having a baby) as quickly, efficiently, and as safely as possible. However, I want to know all my options without having to do all the research on my own. I've heard that midwives are more forthcoming with all the information, whereas doctors assume if you don't ask, you either already know or are not interested.
2. Is it better to have a group of doctors (when I say doctors I'm using that term loosely and mean doctors/midwives/nurse practitioners and any other people who will be viewing my Va-jay-jay at this point in time) or an office that uses a handful of doctors?
Right now, I'm going to a practice that has a group of doctors. In the office I will be visiting, there are 2 doctors and 1 midwife. However, within the entire practice there are 10 doctors and 2 midwives. I may or may not see all the doctors before delivery. However, come delivery time, my doctor will be whoever is on call even if I've never met him/her previously. I can see how this is beneficial. If I only had 1 or 2 doctors and both are on vacation, I'm stuck with a doctor I've never heard of, nor do I know what type of practice he/she is in. Also, with 10 doctors, there is a wealth of information if there are any problems throughout my pregnancy.
My concern though is while I realize labor and delivery can be unpredictable, there are still guidelines that I would like to adhere to as closely as possible. With 10 doctors, I feel as if I'm going to have to conduct an interview at each appointment. Then come delivery, if its a doctor I've never met, I have to make sure he/she is fully aware of my birth plan and my concerns. I realize this is the same concern I had when discussing the other side of the coin, but I feel that when using 10 doctors this is a problem that has a greater chance of occurring.
I'm going to my first appointment at the group practice and I'm going to discuss these concerns with them then. Maybe they'll be able to put my fears at ease. Or maybe they'll recommend a smaller practice.
In the meantime, any opinions?
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